LGVMA and BSVSA Board of Directors Strategic Planning Meeting

     Your Broad Spectrum VSA leaders have finally made it to Las Vegas for the LGVMA Board of Directors Strategic Planning Meeting. We are looking forward to working with the members of the LGVMA to discuss future hopes for both organizations! Pictures and updates will follow at the end of the weekend! Want to stay in the loop? Here is a rough itinerary of what the weekend will be like. We hope to get a lot accomplished for the future of both LGVMA and BSVSA!

Friday, February 15

            6:00 PM         Introduction to the Retreat                                                  J. Lloyd

·      Purpose

·      Expected outcomes

·      Process

Background (large group)

·      LGVMA History

·      Previous LGVMA strategic planning

o   Mission

o   Strategic priorities

·      Pre-Retreat Survey

Plan for Tomorrow

            8:00 PM         Adjourn for the Day

Saturday, February 16

            8:00                Breakfast Buffet

            9:00                Opening Comments                                                              J. Lloyd

                                    Identification of Strategic Issues

• Discuss Pre-Retreat Survey Results (small groups)
• Mission
• Core Values
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats
• Vision (small groups)

            10:30              Break

            10:45              Continue Discussions

            12:30 PM       Lunch (on your own – food court and restaurants)

1:30                Review and Prioritize Strategic Issues

            2:30                Action Planning Discussions (small groups)

            3:15                Break

            3:30                Continue Action Planning Discussions

            5:30                Adjourn for the Day

6:30 PM         Optional Dinner Buffet (RSVP if interested)

Sunday, February 17

            8:00 AM         Breakfast Buffet

            9:00                Review Progress                                                        J. Lloyd

9:15                Continue Action Planning Discussions

            10:30              Break

10:45              Continue Discussions

            12:30 PM       Summary, Reflection, and Next Steps

            1:00                Adjourn for the Meeting

            1:30 PM          Optional desert hike and lunch (RSVP if interested)

Interview with Dr. James Morrisey, DVM, DAVBP

We are very excited to present our interview with Dr. James Morrisey as the third interview in our on-going series.

Dr. Morrisey could you please introduce yourself?

I am currently a Senior Lecturer at Cornell University and the head of the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine Service. I teach about exotic pets and zoological species in the clinics, the class room and in the field. I also teach communication skills here at Cornell. In my free time I sing, dance and act as well as teach aerobics, cycle and eat out.

Dr. Morrisey with a young Howler monkey in Honduras

Hi Dr. Morrisey!  Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed.  Please introduce yourself.  Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?

I grew up in Maryland outside of DC and Southern California, so consider myself bi-coastal! We moved to southern California when I was 11 so spent my formative teenage years in a nice, laid back beach community. I went to undergrad at the University of Maryland and majored in Zoology and Dance. I went to vet school at Cornell University. 

Tell us about your job.  Did you always know you wanted to be a wild life and zoo veterinarian?  What made you decide to pursue this career?

Yes, I grew up going to zoos and loving wildlife and exotic animals so I always wanted to work with them in some form. I found I liked science and medicine so becoming a zoo vet became my goal. During my internship at Kansas State I found I really enjoyed the client contact and working with exotic pets, so now work mostly with those species and only do zoo/wildlife work when I’m travelling in Central and South America.  

What is your most memorable experience in your career this far?     

I have had a lot of great experiences in my job and feel very lucky to do what I do. I get to travel around the world, teaching and working in a variety of places. I’ve had some great experiences working in Central and South America lately. We take students on trips to Honduras and I’ve worked with a wildlife refuge in Bolivia that’s been very exciting.

What are your thoughts on the state of acceptance of the LGBTQ population within the veterinary field and in zoo/wildlife medicine in particular?  Have you ever had any positive or negative experiences?

I have been fairly blessed in my life and rarely have had negative experiences relating my sexuality. I am a positive person by nature and try to approach any situation with a positive attitude and find that works very well for me. I’ve found the field of veterinary medicine to be very accepting of the LGBTQ population, which isn’t surprising since it tends to attract smart, kind and caring people.

Do you have any advice for negotiating your first job, especially with issues like partner benefits? 

My advice is to remain positive and accept yourself for who you are. If you act like  being gay or asking for partner benefits is an ‘unusual’ request then it may be construed that way, but if you act like that’s the most natural thing in the world, it tends to be less of an issue. It’s no different than asking about benefits for your spouse if you’re a heterosexual couple. 

Do you have any advice or a system for whom to come out to in the work setting?

Again, I think accepting yourself for who you are and realizing that it is simply one, very natural, part of what makes you the unique person you are will go a long way towards making it a non-issue. I think we get so stressed out and worked up in our minds about how to tell people but it’s really no different than telling people you’re ethnicity or the color of your hair. It’s simply a part of the whole package that is you.  

Did you have any memorable LGBTQ mentors?

When I was in vet school, there were a few other students and faculty that were very helpful in getting me to accept my sexuality as another piece of the puzzle that makes me unique. Tom Graves and Larry Carbone were so easy going and accepting and just said “oh hi, you’re gay, cool, now let’s talk about this other cool thing..” it was really great to just be accepted and then treated like a friend. 

What are your thoughts on the current climate for the LGBTQ community (e.g. with upcoming presidential elections, our current struggles for marriage equality, etc.)?

I think we are making progress slowly and steadily, which is the best way to go. Not forcing issues but not dropping them either. The best thing that each of us can do is just be a good person and open about our sexuality. It’s much harder for people to oppose and dislike that which they don’t know, so make friends in all areas of life especially those people that are very different from you. Treat them with the respect and openness with which you would like to be treated.  I think that sends a powerful message.

What is your favorite non-veterinary pastime?

I’m an avid biker. I love to do multiple day, long distance rides for charities, it’s a great feeling to be working with people towards a common goal.  I also love watching cheesy sci-fi and horror movies

Anything else you’d like to say?

Stay positive, stay fit and love what you do!

Thank you so much!

Outernships and Residencies: On being “Out” for the VIRMP

As many fourth-year veterinary students and interns are (uncomfortably) aware, tomorrow, December 3rd, is the deadline for application to the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians.  For the unacquainted, the program allows those desiring of an internship or residency to apply and rank programs, and a centralized VIRMP computer program is able to match student rankings of programs with program rankings of students to ensure the best fit for both parties.   The program opens from Mid-October through early-December and often signals a stressful time of statement writing, CV modifying, reference seeking, form filling, and careful contemplation into one’s future.

The VIRMP Homepage, a sight/site familiar to many

When Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association was founded, many students sought to address the queer and age-old question of whether or not to be open about one’s orientation in various applications, whether for vet school itself, or for internships, residencies, and jobs.  As one can see from this discriminatory remark from an established veterinarian,  sometimes it’s just not safe to be out in the veterinary profession, and unfortunately, being out can sometimes cost you the spot, the prospective job, or your current job.  However, through our interview series with veterinarians such as Dr. Larry Carbone  and Dr. Patrick Mahaney, we have received words of encouragement to stay true to who you are and to not shy away from listing leadership accomplishments in applications.

Seeing that many of us are currently undergoing or will be planning on going through the VIRMP process, we decided it would be helpful to talk to current out interns and residents about their experiences.  Read on for their experiences below, and feel free to participate by emailing us at broadspectrumoutreach@gmail.com.  See the end of the post for more details on participating.

***

Name: Scott Joudrey  
What veterinary school did you attend?  When did you graduate?  Were you out while in veterinary school?
Atlantic Veterinary College. 2011.  I was out the whole time.        
In what program are you currently an intern/resident?
Surgical Intern
What types of internships/residencies were you looking at (e.g. private vs academic)?  Why?
I am more interested in academia, as I enjoy teaching.
How are you currently feeling about your internship/residency?          
Surgery is a hard residency to get it seems. There is a lot of competition and many people have to do more than one internship and also fellowships. I am hopeful for matching this year though.    
Did state and local laws regarding non-discrimination play any role in deciding where to apply or where to go?   
No.    
Were you out during the application process?  Why or why not?          
I didn't put "I'm gay" on a banner and send it to them, no. During my visit to the clinic I did my general internship at, I didn't hide it and people know I was gay before offering me that internship.
Have you felt that being out or coming out has had any effect on how you are treated or how you are able to function in the clinic?        
Sometimes I wonder of male students feel uncomfortable around me, just because they don't know how to act around me. For the most part I think people just see me as me, who just happens to like guys. Gay jokes happen now and then, but I personally welcome them as they are always in a friendly way.    
Are there other out veterinarians at your clinic?            
Yes    
Do you have any tips or recommendation for those currently applying? 
Just be yourself. Don't feel like you have to advertise your sexuality, but also don't feel like you should hide it.                                          

***

Name: Jeffrey Barnet
What veterinary school did you attend?  When did you graduate? Were you out while in veterinary school?    
University of Pennsylvania, graduated in 2010, was out 100% of the time          
In what program are you currently an intern/resident?
Surgical specialty internship at University of Pennsylvania.  Previously a surgical intern at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital (Denver, CO) and rotating intern at VCA Veterinary Referral Associates (Gaithersburg, MD).  
What types of internships/residencies were you looking at (e.g. private vs academic)?  Why?
Specifically was looking at academic residencies in surgery, although also looked at private practice ones as well.  Fell into my first and second surgical internships after I did not match for a residency.
How are you currently feeling about your internship/residency?          
Excellent internship to be out of the closet - very comfortable and accepting environment.  If you are 100% interested and committed to obtaining a surgical residency and have good patience, then this is an excellent choice.  Plenty of time to perform research, good access to faculty, little primary case responsibility.      
Did state and local laws regarding non-discrimination play any role in deciding where to apply or where to go?   
No.    
Were you out during the application process?  Why or why not?          
Yes I was.  It was a conscious decision to place my membership in the LGVMA in my resume for residencies.  I have no interest in attending a program that is not fully accepting of who I am.  Particularly during your internship/residency (for better or for worse) your program ends up also becoming your family/social life, and so it is important to take into account that you can socialize and be open with these individuals day in/day out.          
Have you felt that being out or coming out has had any effect on how you are treated or how you are able to function in the clinic?        
No.  It very uncommonly comes up, and those that bring it up do so in a natural and open manner.
Are there other out veterinarians at your clinic?            
Yes - both faculty members and residents (and students too).  

***

                                                                                                                                                                                    
Name: Shalini Latchman            
What veterinary school did you attend?  When did you graduate?  Were you out while in veterinary school?  
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduated 2012, yes I was out while in vet school.
In what program are you currently an intern/resident?
I am an intern at BluePearl Minnesota
What types of internships/residencies were you looking at (e.g. private vs academic)?  Why?
Private- wanted more real-life experience outside of academics          
How are you currently feeling about your internship/residency?          
Not great- it has a lot lacking as for as hands-on experience is concerned.  I would recommend an academic internship from now on.          
Did state and local laws regarding non-discrimination play any role in deciding where to apply or where to go?   
No- but I knew Minnesota's LGBT policies- I grew up here.      
Were you out during the application process?  Why or why not?          
Yup- by officership for Homophiliacs is on my resume- it's a leadership position in diversity- I think it matters to be honest and proud of your affiliations
Have you felt that being out or coming out has had any effect on how you are treated or how you are able to function in the clinic? 
Not really- there are several other out clinicians and techs at this clinic
Do you have any tips or recommendation for those currently applying? 
From gathering information from fellow classmates, I recommend academic internships for those interested in residencies and jobs for those who are not- don't waste your time in a private practice internship- find a mentor at a job that values your time and is invested in you as a person and veterinarian

***

                                                                                                           
Name: Brendan            
What veterinary school did you attend?  When did you graduate?  Were you out while in veterinary school?
Cornell, 2009, Yes I was out.    
In what program are you currently an intern/resident?
Resident at Cornell
What types of internships/residencies were you looking at (e.g. private vs academic)?  Why?
I was willing to entertain private or academic since my specialty is so rare that the number of programs is limiting.        
How are you currently feeling about your internship/residency?          
Good- almost done...
Did state and local laws regarding non-discrimination play any role in deciding where to apply or where to go?   
No.  However, I did more strongly consider regions that I thought would be more receptive of the LGBTQ community.
Were you out during the application process?  Why or why not?          
Yes- I'm in a long term relationship and have no intention of hiding that.  While not a defining characteristic of me as a person, it's something that was bound to come out eventually.  The areas of the country where I thought I might have a harder time (Indiana, Texas) I asked current interns what their perception of the working environment was with regard to LGBTQ issues.  The internship I chose was in a gay friendly area of Florida.  I came out in the first 3 weeks of working there and did not get any negative response.  My being out also helped the next intern feel more comfortable choosing the position after seeing how well received I was at the hospital.
Did you find it difficult to come out?
I did not find it difficult- just dropped in conversation when it felt right.  Everyone knew I was gay when I arrived at my residency since I was dating one of the other residents.            
Have you felt that being out or coming out has had any effect on how you are treated or how you are able to function in the clinic?
No- I work in a liberal supportive environment.            
Are there other out veterinarians at your clinic?            
Yes    
Do you have any tips or recommendation for those currently applying? 
Be honest but know your audience.  Some people are accepting but don't want sexuality thrown in their faces.  I've learned to have a thick skin and not take things too seriously.                                                                                                            

***

As you can see, our post features interns and residents from both private practice and academia.  We received many responses from surgery interns.  If you identify on the LGBT+ spectrum, are a current or recent intern or resident, and would like to participate, please do so by emailing us at broadspectrumoutreach@gmail.com to answer any of the following questions with which you feel comfortable answering:

1. What is your name?  (You can be as anonymous as you want (e.g. Full name, First name only, "Anonymous Intern # x" etc.)
2. What veterinary school did you attend?  Were you out during veterinary school?  When did you graduate?
3. What program are you currently in?  (This can be as specific as you want it to be: e.g. Internship at _, or less specific like: Academic/Private Practice Rotating Internship etc.)
4. What types of internships were you looking at (e.g. private vs academic)?  Why?
5. How are you currently feeling about your internship?
6. Did state and local laws regarding non-discrimination play any role in deciding where to apply or where to go?
7. Were you out during the application process?  Why or why not?
8. If you were not out during the application process, did you find it difficult to come out?  How did you come out?
9. Have you felt coming out has had any effect on how you are treated or how you’re able to function in clinic?
10. Are there other out veterinarians at your clinic?
11. Do you have any tips or recommendation for those currently applying?  Anything you wish you could have done?

Thank you to the interns and residents who participated!

BSVSA in The Vet Gazette

On November 9th, The Vet Gazette published Sonia Fang's response to Dr. Larry Fisher's letter in DVMNewsMagazine.  We are including it here.  See our previous post for other student reactions, and be sure to go to the link to add your comments!



Support for Discrimination and Marginalization? Not Surprising
Friday, November 9, 2012 at 06:00AM

Op Ed
Sonia Fang, Western University


On March 14, dvm360.com posted an article entitled “Minority students report strong support from veterinary schools, but racism and sexism remain, study says”.  The article provided preliminary results from the [American] Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) climate study conducted by Lisa Greenhill (Associate Executive Director for Institutional Research and Diversity at the AAVMC).  Some of the results included that one in five female veterinary students reported hearing sexist language at their school, and LGBT students reported they did not have a faculty or staff member to confide in at higher rates than those students who did not identify as LGBT.  In response to the article, DVM NewsMagazine published a letter from Dr. Larry Fisher of Topeka, Kansas.

I was disappointed and disturbed by the letter printed in DVM NewsMagazine.  On a purely factual level, the statements leveled against LGBT students are not founded in current historical analysis, and the myth that homosexuality has lead to society’s decline has been debunked repeatedly.[1]  Not to mention, even if there were civilizations for which an increase in homosexual activity coincided with a society’s purported decline, there would still be the classic issue of confusing correlation with causation, a definite and basic no-no in evidence-based research.  There isn’t evidence for homosexuality correlating with the destruction of civilizations, much less any research performed demonstrating its causation.

Regardless of the factual inaccuracies, I was taken aback because the printing of this letter was, in itself, telling of the problems that we as LGBT veterinary students face on a systemic level.  LGBT students have to contend with knowing that established veterinarians, editors of professional magazines, professors, faculty, staff, and potential employers are capable of possessing the same opinions as those that were printed.  There is not just a difference of opinion here, but a difference in the level of power and the level of outreach a student has in comparison to established veterinarians and editors of professional magazines.  As LGBT people, we know very well that “different values will always elicit different reactions.”   For example, I can be of the opinion that gay people deserve to be treated as equal members of society.  Anyone else is free to hold the opinion that gay people do not deserve to be treated as equal members of society.  The problem is that while we are both free and able to hold differing opinions, LGBT people are the ones to suffer when power dynamics are at play, and when a differing opinion becomes coded as discrimination into our institutions and the law.  For example, as of 2011, only 8 veterinary schools in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean explicitly protected students from being discriminated on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.[2]  In 29 states, veterinarians can be fired just for being LGBT.[3]  For example, in Kansas, an executive order bans employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, but only in public employment.[4]  So for employees of private veterinary clinics in Kansas, one can be fired for being LGBT and have it be completely condoned by state law.

These things have weighed heavily on my mind throughout my education, but weigh heavily especially now in my final year of school.  I would love to live and work in a world where only my qualities as a capable, competent, and caring veterinarian play into my ability to be employed, but it is apparent that there are more forces at work.  I live, day in and day out, with the understanding that I can be fired just for being who I am.  I live, day in and day out, with the knowledge that there are veterinarians out there who would gladly attribute my existence to the fall of modern-day society.  I live, day in and day out, with the uncertainty of knowing when I’ll be treated as a full member of society.  Science has shown that living with these burdens of discrimination negatively impact LGBT people, and that an environment of anti-LGBT stigma, prejudice, and discrimination results in higher rates of stress, alienation, depression, and mental health problems.[5],[6],[7],[8],[9]  In addition, research has shown that those who are not “out” experience more adverse effects than those who are.[10],[11]  

These are the very reasons that groups like the LGVMA and Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association are important, and these are the very reasons that support for LGBT students is critical.  I am disappointed and disturbed that this inaccurate and discriminatory statement was found to be fit for publication in DVM NewsMagazine, in the very face of an article referencing lack of support for LGBT students.  I am glad, however, that the response was published because it gives LGBT students and allies an idea of how much more progress needs to be made.  I am grateful that student publications like The Vet Gazette provide a platform for advancing the dialogue.

Here are some more helpful articles for debunking gay myths:
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-top-five-most-common-antigay-arguments-debunked
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/10-myths
http://www.residential-life.unh.edu/diversity/15questions.pdf
http://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2224&context=vulr

[1] Lesbian Resource Center, YWCA of University of Washington, Seattle.  “Beyond Tolerance: Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals on Campus.”  Accessed 12 July 2012.  < www.residential-life.unh.edu/diversity/15questions.pdf>
[2] Fang, Sonia.  “How LGBT-friendly is your veterinary school?”  Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association.  Accessed 9 Sept 2012.  < http://broadspectrumvsa.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-lgbt-friendly-is-your-veterinary.html> 2 July 2011.
[3] Hunt, Jerome.  2012.  “A State-by-State Examination of Nondiscrimination Laws and Policies.”  Center for American Progress Action Fund.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Hatzenbuehler ML, McLaughlin KA, Keyes KM, Hasin DS.  2010.  “The Impact of Institutional Discrimination on Psychiatric Disorders in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations: A Prospective Study.”  American Journal of Public Health 100(3): 452-459.
[6] Meyer IH.  2003.  “Prejudice, Social Stress, and Mental Health in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations: Conceptual Issues and Research Evidence.”  Psychological Bulletin 129(5):674-679.
[7] King M, Semlyen J, See Tai S, Killaspy H, Osborn D, Popelyuk D, Nazareth I.  2008.  “A systematic review of mental disorder, suicide, and deliberate self harm in lesbian, gay and bisexual people.”  BMC Psychiatry 8(70).  < http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/8/70>
[8] Hatzenbuehler ML, Nolen-Hoeksema S, Dovidio J.  2009.  “How Does Stigma ‘Get Under the Skin’?” Psychological Science 20(10):1282-1289.
[9] Bogart LM, Wagner GJ, Galvan FH, Landrine H, Klein DJ, Sticklor LA.  2011.  “Perceived Discrimination and Mental Health Symptoms among Black Men with HIV.”  Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol 17(3): 295-302.
[10] Hatzenbuehler et al, 2009.
[11] Bogart et al, 2011.

For more posts by Sonia Fang, go here.

BSVSA Responds

"Support for Discrimination and Marginalization? Not Surprising."

On March 14, dvm360.com posted an article entitled “Minority students report strong support from veterinary schools, but racism and sexism remain, study says.”.  The article provided preliminary results from the Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) climate study conducted by Lisa Greenhill (Associate Executive Director for Institutional Research and Diversity at the AAVMC).  We had written about the preliminary responses here.  Some of the results included that one in five female veterinary students reported hearing sexist language at their school, and LGBT students reported they did not have a faculty or staff member to confide in at higher rates than those students who did not identify as LGBT.  In response to the article, DVM NewsMagazine published a letter from Dr. Larry Fisher of Topeka, Kansas.
 

In his letter, Dr. Fisher states:
Is support available for students surprising?

In the article “Minority students report strong support from veterinary schools, but racism and sexism remain, study says” from dvm360.com on March 14, it was mentioned that “while nearly 83 percent of veterinary students said there was a strong support system within their school, 35 percent said they did not have a faculty of [sic] staff member to confide in.  … The numbers are higher for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.”

Putting political correctness aside, it is an axiom that a house divided cannot stand.  Different values will always elicit different reactions.  Why are we surprised that those who have different values are looked upon differently?  The group cited has never flourished in a stable society but has always been visible in its decline.  Read history.  Now we wonder why we are declining as a culture?  Folks, fundamentals work.

--Larry Fisher, DVM
Topeka, Kan.

Students involved in Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association weighed in:
 

Amanda Fischer- Cornell University Class of 2014:
My initial reaction when I saw this editorial was extreme sadness.  Not because someone was expressing this viewpoint (it would be naive to think that people don’t have and express this view), but because it was published in a veterinary magazine.  I thought that this was highly inappropriate for publication in a professional magazine.  But hopefully some good can come from this in the form of an educated discussion among colleagues in our field. 

The title and the content of the editorial are an interesting contradiction.  Clearly Dr. Fisher is not surprised by a lack of mentorship and guidance for LGBT students in the veterinary community, seeing as he feels there should be none. I do agree with him on one point, that a house divided cannot stand.  Marginalizing colleagues and veterinary students is not going to further the development and future success of our profession.  I feel that his viewpoint implies  LGBT individuals in the profession are decreasing it’s value.  This is a poor attitude to take towards our profession, considering diverse and open work environments foster better collaboration and creativity.  If we are to move forward and continue to provide innovative ideas, then we all need to be more accepting of our colleagues.

I greatly appreciate the response from Dr. Gregory B Combs that was published by DVM NewsMagazine in response to Dr. Fisher’s editorial. As disheartening as that first editorial was, Dr. Combs response made me want to get up and cheer.  I hope that more members of our community agree with Dr. Combs views and welcome all veterinary students with open arms into this great profession.  I hope that students questioning the level of acceptance and inclusion in the veterinary profession can look at the LGVMA, Broad Spectrum, and responses like Dr. Combs and feel as hopeful as I do.

Nikki Wright - University of Pennsylvania Class of 2014
I am incredibly disappointed and saddened by Dr. Fisher’s letter. Although I originally questioned the magazine’s reasoning for publishing it, I have decided that I am thankful that they did, because it forces us as a professional community to confront this issue. If I could get to Kansas I would go and visit Dr. Fisher myself. Not in anger, but in a sincere effort to expose him and educate about the LGBTQ community. My heart goes out to anyone that Dr. Fisher has directly persecuted. There is no room in our society nor in our profession for such hatred. I hope that Dr. Fisher can one day discover the beauty in a life full of loving-kindness, acceptance, and personal growth through diversity.

Arturo Otamendi- Louisiana State University Class of 2014
    I agree with most of my colleagues in that I am not surprised that there are people in society, or even in the veterinary community, that think the way Dr. Fisher does. I have been raised in a part of the country where viewpoints like Dr. Fisher’s are commonplace. Originally, I was very upset that an article with this kind of bigotry would be published in a veterinary magazine that is read by very well educated people. But then I realized that if one person is saying this, then there are a multitude of others who have very similar thoughts. This is a great opportunity for organizations such as LGVMA and Broad Spectrum Veterinary Student Association to speak out and support LGBT rights and to teach the community what we have to offer to make this country a better place to live.
    Breaking down what Dr. Fisher stated, there are a few things I agree and disagree with. I agree with the fact that “a house divided cannot stand” However, this is the exact opposite of what members of the LGBT community are trying to do. We believe in “inclusion” of all people. This includes race, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, gender identity, etc. We see ourselves as an integral part of society and we in no way ask to be treated differently or special in any way. We want the same rights and privileges that everyone else has. It is actually not surprising at all that different values elicit different responses. I know there are people out there who do not agree with the LGBT lifestyle, but a veterinary teaching school is no place for that type of thinking.
    As for the statement that the LGBT community has never flourished in a stable society, but has always been seen in its decline, I ask where can he show any evidence of truth behind that statement. Homosexuality has been present in all cultures and societies since before the Roman times, and nowhere is there any solid evidence that this was a cause for the decline in their culture. The LGBT community has proven to be a very important part of this country and plays a big impact on the economy. In the veterinary community, LGBT individuals see their pets as their children, and they want the best veterinary care they can receive for their family member. How can a veterinarian provide them all that they need, while at the same time feeling like they are not appreciated or even resented for who they are. Dr. Fisher is blind to the fact that society is changing, and if he does not change with it, he will be left behind.
    I am very thankful for people like Dr. Fisher, because it pushes me to be more proactive and vocal about LGBT issues and rights. I feel that if we as LGBT veterinarians and veterinary students reach out and educate the community, we will see a big change in the next couple years and the comfort levels of veterinary students and veterinarians will increase tremendously.

Here are some more helpful articles for debunking gay myths:
http://www.examiner.com/article/the-top-five-most-common-antigay-arguments-debunked
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/10-myths
http://www.residential-life.unh.edu/diversity/15questions.pdf
http://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2224&context=vulr